BATON ROUGE (June 17, 2010) - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following opening to recreational and commercial fishing in portions of inside waters and the territorial seas in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes effective immediately, today June 17.

Fishing Opening

The portion of state inside waters north of 29 degrees 21 minutes 42 seconds north latitude and south of 29 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds north latitude from the western shore of Bayou Lafourche westward to the eastern shore of Bayou Terrebonne.

The portion of state inside waters north of 29 degrees 08 minutes 19 seconds north latitude from the Houma Navigation Canal red buoy line westward to 90 degrees 39 minutes 26.8 seconds west longitude.

The portion of state inside waters north of 29 degrees 05 minutes 00 seconds north latitude and south of 29 degrees 08 minutes 19 seconds north latitude from the Houma Navigation Canal red buoy line westward to 90 degrees 49 minutes 00 seconds west longitude with the exception of the following area which shall remain closed to recreational and commercial fishing.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.